Code
(1) Every State shall be a sessions division or shall consist of sessions divisions; and every sessions divisions shall, for the purposes of this Code, be a district or consist of districts:
Provided that every metropolitan area shall, for the said purposes, be a separate sessions division and district.
(2) The State Government may, after consultation with the High Court, alter the limits or the number of such divisions and districts.
(3) The State Government may, after consultation with the High Court, divide any district into subdivisions and may alter the limits or the number of such sub-divisions.
(4) The sessions divisions, districts and sub-divisions existing in a State at the commencement of this Code, shall be deemed to have been formed under this section.
Explanation
Section 7 CrPC establishes the legal framework for territorial jurisdiction in criminal matters. It outlines the following:
- States and Union Territories: India is divided into states and union territories, each having its own legislative and executive powers.
- Jurisdiction of Courts: The jurisdiction of courts is determined by the territorial limits of the state or union territory where they are located.
- Application of CrPC: The CrPC applies to all states and union territories, ensuring uniformity in criminal procedure throughout the country.
Illustration
Imagine a crime is committed in Delhi, a union territory. The case will be investigated by Delhi Police and heard in a court located in Delhi. The CrPC will be applied in the same manner as it would be in any other state of India.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: What happens if a crime is committed across state boundaries?
A: In such cases, the jurisdiction may lie with the state where the crime originated or where the accused is apprehended, depending on the specific circumstances.
Q: Does Section 7 CrPC apply to all criminal offenses?
A: Yes, it applies to all criminal offenses under Indian law, regardless of their nature or severity.